At the end of the Third Age, the three Elven Rings were primarily held by Elrond, Galadriel, and Gandalf. These powerful artifacts, created by the Elves during the Second Age, were instrumental in preserving beauty and combating the decay of Middle-earth.
The Elven Rings: Custodians Through the Ages
The stewardship of the three Elven Rings changed hands over centuries, reflecting the evolving needs and leadership within Middle-earth. Unlike the Rings of Power forged by Sauron, these Elven Rings were hidden from him and intended for healing and preservation.
Original Bearers
Initially, the responsibility for the three Elven Rings was entrusted to:
- Gil-galad
- Galadriel
- Círdan
Transfers of Authority
As events unfolded and the long struggle against darkness continued, the rings were passed to new, worthy hands:
- Gil-galad eventually gave his Ring to Elrond. This transfer occurred before Gil-galad's death during the War of the Last Alliance.
- Círdan, recognizing Gandalf's true purpose and power, willingly bestowed his Ring upon Gandalf upon his arrival in Middle-earth as one of the Istari.
Keepers at the End of the Third Age
By the time of the War of the Ring and the ultimate defeat of Sauron, the final custodians of the three Elven Rings were:
- Elrond
- Galadriel
- Gandalf
Summary of Keepers
The table below summarizes the key individuals who held the three Elven Rings during different significant periods:
| Period | Keepers of the Three Elven Rings |
|---|---|
| Originally | Gil-galad, Galadriel, Círdan |
| End of the Third Age | Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf |
Following the destruction of the One Ring and the downfall of Sauron, the power of the Elven Rings waned. They were eventually taken into the West, signifying the end of the Elves' significant presence and influence in Middle-earth.
